Two killed in Bengal, Trinamool says victims were cadres

Kolkata, Feb 17 (IANS) Two people were killed in Burdwan district of West Bengal Thursday. While police claim both were notorious criminals, opposition Trinamool Congress insists they were party members ‘murdered’ by ruling Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) cadres.”Two anti-socials have been killed. We have no idea about their political affiliation,” said Burdwan Police Superintendent Humayan Kabir.

“We have arrested four people involved in the case and searches have been conducted against four others,” Kabir told IANS over phone.

Trinamool leader and Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Madan Mitra alleged: “Our party workers - Sheikh Aminul Islam alias Khokon and Sheikh Kamal were killed by the CPI-M backed goons in Amdohi village near Laudoha in Burdwan district.

“Both of them had to stay out of their homes during night, fearing attacks by the CPI-M goons. Even we have repeatedly informed the police administration in writing that the CPI-M was running an armed camp in the area and urged them to provide security cover to our party cadres,” said Mitra who rushed to the spot after the incident.

“A specific complaint was lodged against Sheikh Amin, a coal mafia, who had committed 21 murders, with the district police chief Jan 5. In spite of that he was roaming freely in the area, threatening our people,” he said.

When asked about Trinamool’s allegation of police inaction against Amin, Kabir said: “I don’t know whether a complaint was lodge against Amin with my predecessor. I will not be able to comment without going through the complaints.”

The district CPI-M leadership ruled out the allegation levelled against their party.

“The killing of two Trinamool supporters in Amdohi was a fall out of that party’s internal rivalry,” said CPI-M district secretary Amal Halder.